Ep. 18 – 10 Essential Ways to Combat Feeling Lonely During the Holidays

The holiday season brings joy for many, but for some, it can be a time of deep loneliness. In our latest episode of Acceptance Path, hosts Sheree and AJ delve into the complexities of feeling lonely, particularly during the holidays. They offer practical suggestions to help you navigate this challenging time.

Acceptance Path

Two mental health experts have joined forces to make an uplifting podcast about well-being and personal growth. We use this show to share fresh and sometimes eye-opening ideas, helping listeners create a more fulfilling life. We’re not pushing any one viewpoint – instead, we’ll bring in guests from all walks of life to expand our understanding of the world. Come along with us as we explore different outlooks together.

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#18: Depression, Holidays, Loneliness, and Mental Health

byAJ Huynh and Sheree Morgan

Join hosts Sheree and AJ as they navigate life’s twists and turns, bringing humor and heartfelt insights on various topics. From holiday plans to dealing with loneliness and depression, they offer practical advice and personal stories to help listeners thrive.

Show Podcast Information

Understanding Loneliness in the Holiday Context

Loneliness can be common during the holidays, often intensified by societal expectations and personal circumstances. Sheree points out, “The holidays can remind people of aloneness or sadness,” sparking a conversation about how to face these feelings head-on.

Combatting Loneliness: The Internal and External Worlds

To address loneliness or feeling lonely, recognize two key aspects of existence:

• Internal World: Your thoughts and feelings, which might include sadness or loneliness.
• External World: The reality around you, where actions take place.

The hosts emphasize the importance of shifting from dwelling within your internal world to engaging actively with the external world. Taking constructive actions can help ground you in reality.

Why Understanding These Worlds Matters

AJ explains the need to differentiate thoughts from reality: “Your thought about being alone doesn’t define the truth of your circumstances.” Understanding this can empower you to take charge of your feelings more effectively, guiding actions that enrich your external reality.

Actionable Steps to Overcome Loneliness

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: Embrace your emotions without letting them define your reality. You’re feeling lonely, but it doesn’t mean you are alone. Recognizing these feelings is the first step to managing them.
2. Create a Crisis Prevention Card: Borrowing Sheree’s advice, write a card detailing steps to manage loneliness. Include reality checks, positive tasks, and reasons for living. This becomes a guide when emotions run high.
3. Engage with Gratitude: Focus on small joys. Whether it’s enjoying the sunshine on your face or savoring your morning coffee, acknowledging these moments can shift your mindset. AJ emphasizes, “Gratitude keeps us anchored to the real world.”
4. Seek Observational Perspectives: Viewing your situation from a distance can provide clarity. Sheree suggests imagining yourself as your best friend evaluating your life. This shift in perspective can highlight positive aspects you might overlook.
5. Act with Intention Get physical: Walk your dog, call a friend, or pursue hobbies. These actions pull you into the reality where change can happen. Sheree shares, “Doing something, no matter how small, builds momentum.”
6. Reach Out: Being alone doesn’t mean staying isolated. Host a small gathering or join community events. AJ shares a story, highlighting the potential of reaching out, even to those you might not know well.
7. Meditate on Acceptance: Meditation trains you to cope with discomfort. It helps you sit with uncomfortable feelings, making them more tolerable over time. AJ notes, “Learning to sit with discomfort strengthens your resilience.”
8. Learn from Your Loneliness: Recognize loneliness as a signal, not a verdict. Accept its presence, but explore ways to alter the external facets of your life that you can control.
9. Connect with Support Systems: Talk to trusted friends or call the suicide hotline (988) if the feelings become overwhelming. Sheree emphasizes the importance of having supportive figures and resources readily available.
10. Embrace the Presence of Others: Even if family dynamics are challenging, the holidays offer a chance to cherish the people present in your life. Remember, “We don’t have to like the noise to appreciate the company.”

Moving Forward with Positivity

Navigating loneliness during the holidays requires action and understanding. Recognizing the difference between feeling and reality can lead to healthier choices. The strategies discussed by Sheree and AJ are practical tools to foster connection and joy, transforming what can be a difficult time into an opportunity for growth.

Understanding that feeling lonely doesn’t equate to isolation empowers individuals to make impactful changes. Embrace the holidays with optimism, armed with strategies to foster connection and joy. Sheree and AJ will continue exploring these complex topics every other week, offering insights into mental wellness and personal growth. Wishing everyone a holiday season filled with connection, understanding, and hope.